Monderyn put his hand to his chin, looking down in thought.

Llarasa spoke up. "You can count on us keeping your secret, right Monderyn?"

He peered at her and slowly nodded.

"And mother loves having guests," Llarasa continued. "I'm sure if we explain the situation to her, she'll be more than happy to accommodate."

"That just leaves father," Fendros said.

Monderyn motioned to talk, though he took a moment to put his words together. He clapped a hand against his fist and spread his hands apart. "I don't think there's a good way to control his actions. Either he engages or he doesn't. I don't think he will, because he still does not want to acknowledge you, Fendros. But neither will he like his face being rubbed in it."

"Could he be distracted?" Rhazii suggested quietly.

He was paid attention for a moment before Monderyn answered. "Not for as long as I expect these new guests will stay."

"Ahnasha," Llarasa asked. "Just so I understand, what will happen if your family learns about you?"

[hr]
Harriet pressed her lips together and closed her eyes. She breathed in slowly and opened her eyes to resume eye contact.

"Lorag," she said evenly. "You remember I'm a stronghold Orc, right? That means you can tell Vera if she wants justice, she can come over here and take it for herself."

Lorag's next statement made Harriet blink and scrunch her face in disbelief. "Wait, she can what now?" She grunted. "Fuck, I was hoping Narsi could have more time than that without me around." She spun on her heel and threw her chin down. "Damn it! Fuck...Okay..." She turned back around and brought up her hands. "I can't make you do more than that. Sure."